3D Folded Paper Star Tutorial

Making these cute paper stars is a fun and easy activity, and the stars can be used in lots of different ways. You can create a garland by threading a few onto a piece of string or ribbon, create jewelry by attaching a couple onto a piece of wire, or even place a few into a glass vessel to use as a decoration.

You only need a single strip of paper to get started. While the star is simple to make, you may find it helpful to use plain scrap paper first to get a feel for how to form the star. Once you get the hang of it, add some extra pizazz by using a rubber stamp to decorate plain paper, or choose scrapbooking or decorative paper.

1. Make a Loop in the Paper

   You create the star's basic shape by making a 'knot' at one end of the strip of paper and flattening it to give a pentagon shape. Make the knot by forming a loop at one end of the strip of paper.

2. Complete the Knot

   Tuck one end of the strip of paper through the loop to make a knot. Press the knot flat.

3. Start Folding

   Tuck the short end inside the knot (you may need to trim the end of the paper to make it fit neatly inside the knot). Start wrapping the long end around the knot, following the contours of the pentagon.

4. Keep Folding the Paper

   Keep folding the strip of paper around the pentagon shape. Tuck the end inside, trimming the end of the three-dimensional shape if necessary. It's time to add a rubber stamp image to the star's center, if appropriate.

5. Squeeze the Star Into Shape

   Start squeezing the edges of the pentagon shape to form the points of the star. Press the center of each side inward, creating the points. You may need to squeeze and shape the star a few times until it looks like you desire. It may take a couple of tries to create a perfect star shape.

   Add any embellishments required, such as glitter glue or other adornments. You've now finished the star! Make a few more stars to create a garland or unusual mobile. You can also easily adapt this to make a 3D paper heart.